Brandon could feel record heat

Workers with Zenith Paving lay steaming hot new asphalt on Lorne Avenue East on a scorching hot Thursday afternoon.

With a high of 37 C in the forecast, Brandon has the potential to experience record-breaking temperatures this weekend.

The record for Aug. 11 is 35 C, which was set back in 1958, according to John Paul Cragg, warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada.

“The hottest it’s ever been in August in Brandon, according to our records, is 38.5 (C), that was back on Aug. 6, 1988,” he said. “It probably won’t be the hottest August ever in Brandon, but it could be the hottest Aug. 11 on record.”

One factor that may hold back the temperature is the smoke, which has been flowing into Manitoba from the forest fires in Alberta and B.C.

With a high of 37 C in the forecast, Brandon has the potential to experience record-breaking temperatures this weekend.

The record for Aug. 11 is 35 C, which was set back in 1958, according to John Paul Cragg, warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada.

"The hottest it’s ever been in August in Brandon, according to our records, is 38.5 (C), that was back on Aug. 6, 1988," he said. "It probably won’t be the hottest August ever in Brandon, but it could be the hottest Aug. 11 on record."

One factor that may hold back the temperature is the smoke, which has been flowing into Manitoba from the forest fires in Alberta and B.C.

"It acts kind of like a cloud," Cragg said. "It stops some of the strength of the sun from penetrating down to the ground and really warming things up."

By Saturday, the forecast shows a decreasing amount of smoke through southern Manitoba, he added.

"Daytime high temperatures of 32 degrees or hotter are expected for Friday, Saturday, and likely Sunday," states the warning. "As well, overnight temperatures will remain elevated during this period giving little respite from the heat. The humidity will be moderate throughout and the winds light, but the UV index will be high."

Cragg said an area of high pressure is sitting over the Prairies, which is reducing precipitation, creating hot, sunny conditions.

"It’s pumping up air from the south down in the States and bringing that air into the Prairie provinces," he said.

During periods of extreme heat, there is the risk of dehydration, exhaustion and heat stroke, according to Dr. Mahmoud Khodaveisi, medical officer of health with Prairie Mountain Health.

"Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat illness and requires urgent medical attention," he said.

A person with heat stroke will have a temperature above 40 C, and symptoms may include headache, dizziness and confusion.

To help prevent heat-related illnesses, Khodaveisi said people should stay up-to-date on weather alerts, drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can increase the amount of water loss.

"If they have an air conditioner, make sure it is working properly," he said. "If there is no air conditioner at home, they can go to a cool place such as a library or mall or community centre."

If outside during the heat of the day, be sure to find shade — use an umbrella or wide-brimmed hat. Also, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting, breathable, light-coloured clothing.

"Remember to wear sunscreen … limit physical activity during the hotter parts of the day," he said. "Also check on family members, neighbours and friends, especially older adults and those with chronic conditions."

From roofers to pavers and construction workers, there are many crews that work outside in the elements.

Greg Brown, occupational safety and health co-ordinator with the City of Brandon, said many precautions are taken to ensure workers stay safe during a heat wave.

"For the crews that are more exposed to the hot weather, we’ll have them actually start earlier in the day, so they’re … getting off work before the extreme heat," he said.

The city follows Safe Work Manitoba guidelines and encourages breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned vehicle, drinking lots of water and covering up.

"Luckily, Brandon is a very green city with lots of trees, so we can usually find shady places to get out of the sun for a few minutes," he said.

Today’s high is 32 C, with Saturday expected to reach 37 C. Cragg said there may be a potential cool-down Sunday into next week.

"Generally after this bout of warm air, we’re looking at near-normal temperatures for the next week, week and a half in August."

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